Electrical energy generating element

ABSTRACT

An electrical energy generating element includes a first porous electrode, an eggshell membrane, and a second porous electrode. The first porous electrode, the eggshell membrane, and the second porous electrode are stacked on each other in that order. The present application also relates to an electrical energy generating device, a method for generating electrical energy, and a decorative ring.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to commonly-assigned application entitled,“ELECTRICAL ENERGY GENERATING DEVICE”, concurrently filed (Atty. DocketNo. US77152); “METHOD FOR MAKING ELECTRICAL ENERGY GENERATING ELEMENT”,concurrently filed (Atty. Docket No. US77154); “METHOD FOR GENERATINGELECTRICAL ENERGY”, concurrently filed (Atty. Docket No. US77155);“DECORATIVE RING”, concurrently filed (Atty. Docket No. US77156). Theentire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The present application relates to an electrical energy generatingelement.

BACKGROUND

The majority of energy consumptions depend on non-renewable energysources, such as coal, oil, natural gas, and nuclear energy. In view ofthe large consumption and the limited reserves of the non-renewableenergy sources, as well as the pollution caused by such methods ofenergy consumptions, people are committed to the development of new orrenewable energy sources and the recycling of energy.

Water is an energy source that has little impact on the environment andecology, thus hydro-electric generating technology is being developed.The water flowing drives the generator, thus the hydroelectric power isgenerated. However, the hydro-electric power generation requiresspecialized electrical generator sets and also requires dams to supplylarge-scale water flows.

Therefore, there is room for improvement in the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Implementations of the present technology will now be described, by wayof embodiments, with reference to the attached figures, wherein:

FIG. 1A shows a schematic view of a first embodiment of an electricalenergy generating element.

FIG. 1B shows a schematic view of a first embodiment of anotherelectrical energy generating element.

FIG. 2 is a process flow of a first embodiment of a method for makingthe electrical energy generating element of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows a scanning electron microscope (SEM) image and an opticalimage of a first embodiment of a CNT/PANI composite structure.

FIG. 4A shows an schematic view of a first embodiment of compositestructure of an eggshell and an eggshell membrane.

FIG. 4B shows an optical image of the first embodiment of a compositestructure of an eggshell and an eggshell membrane.

FIG. 5 shows a SEM image of the first embodiment of a surface of theeggshell membrane contacting with egg liquid.

FIG. 6 shows a SEM image of the first embodiment of a surface of theeggshell membrane contacting with eggshell.

FIG. 7 is a process flow of a first embodiment of a method forgenerating electrical energy.

FIG. 8 is another process flow of the first embodiment of a method forgenerating electrical energy.

FIG. 9 is a process flow of a first embodiment of forming the electricalenergy generating element of FIG. 1 by the CNT/PANI composite structureand the eggshell membrane.

FIG. 10 shows a schematic view of a first embodiment of a compositestructure of a filter flask and the electrical energy generating elementthat is formed by the CNT/PANI composite structure and the eggshellmembrane.

FIG. 11 is a diagrams of voltage vs. time of the first embodiment of theelectrical energy generating element of the FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 shows a schematic view of a second embodiment of an electricalenergy generating element.

FIG. 13 shows a schematic view of a third embodiment of an electricalenergy generating device.

FIG. 14 is a diagrams of voltage vs. time of the electrical energygenerating device of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is another diagrams of voltage vs. time of the electrical energygenerating device of FIG. 13.

FIG. 16 shows a schematic view of a fourth embodiment of an electricalenergy generating device.

FIG. 17 is a diagrams of voltage vs. time of the electrical energygenerating device of FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 shows a schematic view of a fifth embodiment of an electricalenergy generating device.

FIG. 19 is a diagrams of voltage vs. time of the electrical energygenerating device of FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 shows a schematic view of a sixth embodiment of an electricalenergy generating device.

FIG. 21 shows a schematic view of another placement of the electricalenergy generating device in FIG. 20.

FIG. 22 shows a schematic view of a seventh embodiment of an electricalenergy generating device.

FIG. 23 shows a schematic view of another placement of the electricalenergy generating device in FIG. 22.

FIG. 24 shows a schematic view of an eighth embodiment of a decorativering.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration,where appropriate, reference numerals have been repeated among thedifferent figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. Inaddition, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide athorough understanding of the embodiments described herein. However, itwill be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that theembodiments described herein can be practiced without these specificdetails. In other instances, methods, procedures, and components havenot been described in detail so as not to obscure the related relevantfeature being described. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, andthe proportions of certain parts may be exaggerated to illustratedetails and features better. The description is not to be considered aslimiting the scope of the embodiments described herein.

Several definitions that apply throughout this disclosure will now bepresented.

The term “substantially” is defined to be essentially conforming to theparticular dimension, shape or other word that substantially modifies,such that the component need not be exact. For example, substantiallycylindrical means that the object resembles a cylinder, but can have oneor more deviations from a true cylinder. The term “comprising” means“including, but not necessarily limited to”; it specifically indicatesopen-ended inclusion or membership in a so-described combination, group,series and the like.

The disclosure is illustrated by way of example and not by way oflimitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which likereferences indicate similar elements. It should be noted that referencesto “an” or “one” embodiment in this disclosure are not necessarily tothe same embodiment, and such references mean at least one.

FIG. 1A shows an electrical energy generating element 100 of a firstembodiment. The electrical energy generating element 100 includes afirst electrode 102, an eggshell membrane 104, and a second electrode106 stacked on each other in that order. The eggshell membrane 104 issandwiched between the first electrode 102 and the second electrode 106.In one embodiment, the eggshell membrane 104 is in direct contact withboth the first electrode 102 and the second electrode 106.

In order to avoid a short circuit, the first electrode 102 and thesecond electrode 106 are spaced apart from each other. The overlappingportion of the first electrode 102 and the second electrode 106 isdefined as an overlapping region 105. In one embodiment, the area (orsize) of the eggshell membrane 104 is greater than or equal to the area(or size) of the overlapping region 105, so that the first electrode 102and the second electrode 106 are insulated from each other by theeggshell membrane 104. In the electrical energy generating element 100of FIG. 1, the entire first electrode 102 and the entire secondelectrode 106 are completely overlapped with each other, and theoverlapping region 105 is the entire first electrode 102 or the entiresecond electrode 106. In other embodiments, the first electrode 102 andthe second electrode 106 can also be partially overlapped with eachother, as shown in FIG. 9.

The first electrode 102 and the second electrode 106 are porous andelectrical conductive. The first electrode 102 and the second electrode106 can be a network structure or formed by a porous conductivematerial. The first electrode 102 and the second electrode 106 can be acarbon nanotube film including a plurality of carbon nanotubes, a metalmesh, or a porous metal sheet. In one embodiment, each of the firstelectrode 102 and the second electrode 106 is a carbon nanotubecomposite structure. In one embodiment, each of the first electrode 102and the second electrode 106 is a composite structure of carbon nanotubeand polyaniline (CNT/PANI composite structure).

The CNT/PANI composite structure includes a carbon nanotube networkstructure and a polyaniline layer, wherein the polyaniline layer isformed by polyaniline. In one embodiment, the carbon nanotube networkstructure is a carbon nanotube paper.

The carbon nanotube network structure includes a plurality of carbonnanotubes combined by van der Waals attractive force therebetween andforming a free-standing film network. The term “free-standing” includes,but is not limited to, a structure that does not have to be supported bya substrate and the free-standing structure can sustain its own weightwhen it is hoisted by a portion of the structure without any significantdamage to its structural integrity. The free-standing property isachieved due to the van der Waals attractive force between adjacentcarbon nanotubes. The carbon nanotube network structure includes aplurality of micropores formed by adjacent carbon nanotubes, thus theCNT/PANI composite structure is the porous conductive material.

The polyaniline layer is coated on a surface of the carbon nanotubenetwork structure. The polyaniline layer wraps around each of theplurality of carbon nanotubes to form a tubular coating planarstructure. The carbon nanotube network structure serves as the core andthe template to support the polyaniline layer. In one embodiment, thepolyaniline layer is coated on the entire surface of the carbon nanotubenetwork structure, such that the surface of each carbon nanotube iscompletely coated by the polyaniline layer.

The plurality of carbon nanotubes can be single-walled, double-walled,multi-walled carbon nanotubes, or their combinations. The plurality ofcarbon nanotubes which are single-walled have a diameter of about 0.5nanometers (nm) to about 50 nm. The plurality of carbon nanotubes whichare double-walled have a diameter of about 1.0 nm to about 50 nm. Theplurality of carbon nanotubes which are multi-walled have a diameter ofabout 1.5 nm to about 50 nm. In one embodiment, the carbon nanotubenetwork structure includes the plurality of carbon nanotubes disorderlyarranged and parallel to the surface of the carbon nanotube networkstructure.

In order to better combine the eggshell membrane 104 with the firstelectrode 102 (and/or the second electrode 106), adhesive 122 can belocated on a portion of eggshell membrane 104. The adhesive 122 cannotbe located on the entire surface of the eggshell membrane 104, as shownin FIG. 1B.

In one embodiment, the first electrode 102 is located gravitationallyabove the eggshell membrane 104, and the second electrode 106 is locatedgravitationally below the eggshell membrane 104. When the electricalenergy generating element 100 is measured for electrical potential, thefirst electrode 102 is electrically connected with a negative electrodeof a voltmeter, and the second electrode 106 is electrically connectedwith a positive electrode of the voltmeter.

The eggshell membrane 104 can be from egg, duck egg, goose egg, quailegg, or any other bird eggs. A thickness and a size of the eggshellmembrane 104 are not limited and can be selected according to actualneeds. In one embodiment, the eggshell membrane 104 is from an egg, andthe shape of the eggshell membrane 104 is a square of 1.7×1.7 cm².

FIG. 2 shows a method for making the electrical energy generatingelement 100 of the first embodiment, and the method includes one or moreof the following steps:

S11, providing the first electrode 102 and the second electrode 106;

S12, providing the eggshell membrane 104; and

S13, stacking the first electrode 102, the eggshell membrane 104, andthe second electrode 106 on each other in that order, wherein theeggshell membrane 104 is between the first electrode 102 and the secondelectrode 106.

During step S11, each of the first electrode 102 and the secondelectrode 106 is the CNT/PANI composite structure. In one embodiment, amethod for making the CNT/PANI composite structure includes one or moreof the following steps:

S111, flocculating carbon nanotubes in a solvent, to obtain a carbonnanotube flocculated structure, wherein the solvent is selected fromwater or volatile organic solvent, and the flocculating the carbonnanotube is performed by ultrasonic dispersion or high-strengthstirring;

S112, spreading the carbon nanotube flocculated structure according to apredetermined shape;

S113, applying a certain pressure to the spread carbon nanotubeflocculated structure and drying, to obtain the carbon nanotube networkstructure;

S114, immersing the carbon nanotube network structure in 40 ml anilinesolution containing 0.04 mol L⁻¹ HCL and 0.002 mol L⁻¹ aniline monomers(purity≥99.5%) for ten minutes, to form a first mixed solution;

S115, dropping 40 ml precooled aqueous solution containing 0.002 molammonium persulfate into the first mixed solution, to form a secondmixed solution, wherein the ammonium persulfate is as oxidant forpolymerization;

S116, maintaining the second mixed solution at 0 degrees Celsius for 24hours to react completely, so that the polyaniline layer is coateduniformly on the carbon nanotube network structure, to form the CNT/PANIcomposite structure; and

S117, removing the CNT/PANI composite structure from the reactedsolution, cleaning the CNT/PANI composite structure with deionizedwater, and drying the CNT/PANI composite structure at 80 degrees Celsiusin the vacuum oven for 12 hours.

FIG. 3 shows a scanning electron microscope (SEM) image and an opticalimage of the CNT/PANI composite structure.

During step S12, the method for obtaining the eggshell membrane 104 isnot limited. In one embodiment, the method for obtaining the eggshellmembrane 104 includes:

S121, taking out the egg liquid from an egg to obtain a composite of aneggshell 124 and the eggshell membrane 104, as shown in FIG. 4A, andwashing the composite of the eggshell 124 and the eggshell membrane 104;

S122, peeling off the eggshell membrane 104 from the eggshell 124, toobtain the eggshell membrane 104; and

S123, washing the eggshell membrane 104 with deionized water.

During step S121, one end of the egg is broken, and the egg liquid ispoured or sucked out. The residual egg liquid is removed by deionizedwater. During step S123, the eggshell membrane 104 does not need to becompletely dried. The completely drying the eggshell membrane 104 maycause the eggshell membrane 104 to be uneven or broken. The uneven orbroken eggshell membrane 104 may cause the eggshell membrane 104 cannotbe in good contact with the first electrode 102 and/or the secondelectrode 106. In one embodiment, the residual deionized water in theeggshell membrane 104 can be absorbed by a paper.

In another embodiment, the method for obtaining the eggshell membrane104 includes:

S121′, taking out the egg liquid from the egg to obtain the composite ofthe eggshell 124 and the eggshell membrane 104, and washing thecomposite of the eggshell 124 and the eggshell membrane 104;

S122′, placing the composite of the eggshell 124 and the eggshellmembrane 104 into an acidic solution for a period of time, to obtain theeggshell membrane 104; and

S123′, taking out the eggshell membrane 104 from the acidic solution andwashing the eggshell membrane 104 with deionized water.

During step S122′, the composition of the eggshell 124 is calciumcarbonate. When the composite of the eggshell 124 and the eggshellmembrane 104 is kept in the acidic solution for a period of time, thecalcium carbonate of the eggshell 124 can react with the acid of theacidic solution so that the eggshell 124 is eroded, thus the eggshellmembrane 104 is obtained. The acidic solution can be sulfuric acid,hydrochloric acid, and so on. During step S123′, the eggshell membrane104 is washed with the deionized water. Thus, the calcium chloride as areaction product in the step S122′ and the residual acidic solution canbe removed.

During step S13, to ensure the first electrode 102 and the secondelectrode 106 are not in direct contact with each other, the size of theeggshell membrane 104 can be greater than or equal to the size of theoverlapping region 105.

The method for making the electrical energy generating element 100further includes fixing the first electrode 102 and the second electrode106 on the eggshell membrane 104 with the adhesive 122. At least aportion of the eggshell membrane 104 is exposed through the pores of thefirst electrode 102 and the second electrode 106.

FIG. 4B shows an optical image of the composite structure of theeggshell 124 and the eggshell membrane 104. FIG. 5 shows the SEM imageof a surface of the eggshell membrane 104 which was in contact with theegg liquid. FIG. 6 shows the SEM image of a surface of the eggshellmembrane 104 which was in contact with the eggshell 124. As can be seenfrom FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the eggshell membrane 104 has an interwovenmicroporous structure, and the surface of the eggshell membrane 104 incontact with the eggshell has a porous fiber structure. Thus, theeggshell membrane 104 has a higher porosity and a larger surface area,allowing diffusion of gas and liquid (such as water) molecules.

FIG. 7 shows a method for generating the electrical energy of the firstembodiment, and the method includes one or more of the following steps:

S21, providing the electrical energy generating element 100; and

S22, allowing a liquid 300 having positive ions and negative ions topenetrate the electrical energy generating element 100 from the firstelectrode 102 to the second electrode 106.

During step S21, the liquid 300 is not limited, such as potassiumchloride solution, sodium chloride solution, or water. The positive ionscan be hydrogen ions, sodium ions, magnesium ions, potassium ions, andso on. The negative ions can be chloride ions, hydroxide ions,hypochlorite ions, carbonate ions, and so on. In one embodiment, theliquid 300 is tap water.

During step S22, the allowing the liquid 300 to penetrate the electricalenergy generating element 100 includes:

S221, placing the liquid 300 on a side of the first electrode 102 awayfrom the eggshell membrane 104;

S222, making the liquid 300 contact with the surface of the firstelectrode 102 away from the eggshell membrane 104; and

S223, making the liquid 300 gradually penetrate from the surface of thefirst electrode 102 away from the eggshell membrane 104 to the surfaceof the second electrode 106 away from the eggshell membrane 104.

Furthermore, a voltmeter is provided to measure the electrical energy.The voltmeter is connected between the first electrode 102 and thesecond electrode 106. When the liquid 300 penetrates from the firstelectrode 102 to the eggshell membrane 104 and the second electrode 106,the first electrode 102 is connected to the negative electrode of thevoltmeter, and the second electrode 106 is connected to the positiveelectrode of the voltmeter. When the liquid 300 penetrates from thesecond electrode 106 to the eggshell membrane 104 and the firstelectrode 102, the first electrode 102 is connected to the positiveelectrode of the voltmeter, and the second electrode 106 is connected tothe negative electrode of the voltmeter. In one embodiment, the firstelectrode 102 is located above the eggshell membrane 104, the secondelectrode 106 is located below the eggshell membrane 104; the liquid 300penetrates from the first electrode 102 to the second electrode 106 bygravity pull; and the first electrode 102 is connected to the negativeelectrode of the voltmeter, and the second electrode 106 is connected tothe positive electrode of the voltmeter. The voltage value can beobtained from the voltmeter.

Furthermore, the allowing the liquid 300 to penetrate the electricalenergy generating element 100 includes placing the liquid 300 in a firstcontainer 500 having a first opening 520 and a first bottom 540 oppositeto the first opening 520. As shown in FIG. 8, the liquid 300 is firstplaced in the first container 500, and then the first container 500containing the liquid 300 is tilted or inverted after the electricalenergy generating element 100 covers the first opening 520. In oneembodiment, the size of the first electrode 102 is greater than the sizeof the first opening 520, so that a portion of the first electrode 102and a portion of the second electrode 106 are exposed and protrudingalong a direction away from the first container 500. The exposed portionof the first electrode 102 and the exposed portion of the secondelectrode 106 can be used to connect to an external load or circuit. Inone embodiment, the first electrode 102 is in direct contact with thefirst opening 520.

Furthermore, the method for generating the electrical energy can includecollecting the liquid 300 by a second container 600 having a secondopening 620 and a second bottom 640 opposite to the second opening 620after the liquid 300 penetrates the electrical energy generating element100. As shown in FIG. 8, the electrical energy generating element 100covers the second opening 620. In one embodiment, the size of the secondelectrode 106 is greater than the size of the second opening 620, sothat a portion of the first electrode 102 and a portion of the secondelectrode 106 are exposed and protruding along the direction away fromthe second container 600. The exposed portion of the first electrode 102and the exposed portion of the second electrode 106 can be used toconnect to an external load or circuit.

Furthermore, the method for generating the electrical energy can includevibrating the first container 500. When the voltage value of thevoltmeter stops rising and substantially does not change, the firstcontainer 500 is vibrated. In one embodiment, the first container 500 istapped, so that the generated voltage can continue to rise.

The following are specific examples.

Example 1

The CNT/PANI composite structure is cut into a shape as shown in FIG. 9by a laser, to obtain a CNT/PANI composite paper. The area of theoverlapping region 105 is about 1.5×1.5 cm². The strip with a length ofabout 2.5 cm is used for connecting to the voltmeter. The eggshellmembrane 104 is cut into a square with 1.7×1.7 cm². The eggshellmembrane 104 and two CNT/PANI composite papers are stacked on each otherto form a sandwich structure, wherein the eggshell membrane 104 isbetween the two CNT/PANI composite papers. The eggshell membrane 104covers entire overlapping region 105, thus the two CNT/PANI compositepapers are insulated from each other by the eggshell membrane 104,thereby avoiding a short circuit.

As shown in FIG. 10, the sandwich structure shown is fixed to a cork 660having a through hole, and the sandwich structure covers the throughhole. The cork 660 is inserted into the opening of a filter flask 680.The water is dripped above the sandwich structure, and the open circuitvoltage between the two CNT/PANI composite papers is measured using thevoltmeter. The upper CNT/PANI composite paper is connected to thenegative electrode of the voltmeter, and the lower CNT/PANI compositepaper is connected to the positive electrode of the voltmeter. Theamount of the water per drop is 20 microliter (μL).

FIG. 11 shows the test results of the open circuit voltage of thesandwich structure. In FIG. 11, each arrow represents dripping water,when the water is dropped and penetrates the sandwich structure, voltageis generated. The inserted image of the FIG. 11 is an enlarged view, andshows that each dripping of water drops results in a voltage increase.Thus, the electrical energy can be stored in the sandwich structure. Inthe period of 0 to 5000 seconds, the open circuit voltage can reach0.26V by continuously dripping water. At about 5000 seconds, thesandwich structure is connected to a 500 ohm load for discharge testing.As shown in FIG. 11, in the period of 0 to 5000 seconds, the water iscontinuously dripped, and the voltage gradually increases; at about 5000seconds, the voltage decreases sharply. It can be seen that the sandwichstructure is discharged when the sandwich structure is connected to aload of 500 ohm. Thus, the electrical energy stored by the sandwichstructure can be released. The above experiments show that drippingwater on the sandwich structure can generate electrical energy, thesandwich structure can obtain an ideal open circuit voltage bycontinuously dripping water, and the electrical energy can be stored andreleased.

The mechanism of generating electrical energy is explained below.

The eggshell membrane 104 has a relatively high porosity, and the firstelectrode 102 and the second electrode 106 are also porous, allowingdiffusion of water molecules. The eggshell membrane 104 has an inherentselective permeability to specific positive ions in the water, and thenegative ions of the water cannot pass through the eggshell membrane104. Thus, when water is dripped on the first electrode 102 which islocated above the eggshell membrane 104, water penetrates into theeggshell membrane 104 under gravity pull. The positive ions of the waterpass through the eggshell membrane 104 and are gathered on the secondelectrode 106. The negative ions of the water cannot pass through theeggshell membrane 104 and are gathered on the first electrode 102. Thus,a potential difference between the first electrode 102 and the secondelectrode 106 is formed, and the electrical energy is stored on thefirst electrode 102 and the second electrode 106.

When the potential difference is formed, the positive ions of the waterpass through the eggshell membrane 104 until an electrochemicalequilibrium is established. The rising speed of the output voltageplateaued as time goes by, until another drop of water is added todestroy the electrochemical equilibrium, so that the output voltagerises rapidly again. In one embodiment, the maximum output voltage ofthe electrical energy generating element 100 is about 260 millivolts(mV). When the liquid 300 penetrates the eggshell membrane 104 from thefirst electrode 102 to the second electrode 106, the first electrode 102gathers the negative ions of the liquid 300, and the second electrode106 gathers the positive ions of the liquid 300. When the liquid 300penetrates into the eggshell membrane 104 from the second electrode 106to the first electrode 102, the second electrode 106 gathers thenegative ions of the liquid 300, and the first electrode 102 gathers thepositive ions of the liquid 300.

FIG. 12 shows an electrical energy generating element 200 of a secondembodiment. The electrical energy generating element 200 of the secondembodiment is similar to the electrical energy generating element 100 ofthe first embodiment above except that the electrical energy generatingelement 200 includes two eggshell membranes 104 and further includes athird electrode 108.

The third electrode 108 is located on a side of the first electrode 102away from the second electrode 106, and another eggshell membrane 104 isbetween the third electrode 108 and the first electrode 102. In oneembodiment, both the third electrode 108 and the first electrode 102 arein direct contact with the eggshell membrane 104. In the electricalenergy generating element 200, the third electrode 108, the eggshellmembrane 104, the first electrode 102, another eggshell membrane 104,and the second electrode 106 are stacked on each other in that order.The third electrode 108 and the first electrode 102 are not electricallyconnected to each other due to the eggshell membrane 104 being disposed,and the first electrode 102 and the second electrode 106 are notelectrically connected to each other due to the eggshell membrane 104being disposed. The overlapping portion of the third electrode 108 andthe first electrode 102 is also defined as the overlapping region 105.In one embodiment, the area (or size) of the eggshell membrane 104between the third electrode 108 and the first electrode 102 is greaterthan or equal to the area (or size) of the overlapping region 105, sothat the third electrode 108 and the first electrode 102 are spacedapart from each other. The material of the third electrode 108 is thesame as that of the first electrode 102 and the second electrode 106. Inone embodiment, the third electrode 108 is also the CNT/PANI compositestructure.

When the liquid 300 penetrates the entire electrical energy generatingelement 200 from the third electrode 108 to the second electrode 106,the voltage between the third electrode 108 and the first electrode 102,the voltage between the first electrode 102 and the second electrode106, and the voltage between the third electrode 108 and the secondelectrode 106 can be detected. The voltage between the third electrode108 and the second electrode 106 is greater than the voltage between thethird electrode 108 and the first electrode 102. The voltage between thethird electrode 108 and the second electrode 106 is greater than thevoltage between the first electrode 102 and the second electrode 106.

FIG. 13 shows an electrical energy generating device 10 of a thirdembodiment. The electrical energy generating device 10 of the thirdembodiment includes the electrical energy generating element 100, thefirst container 500, and the second container 600. The electrical energygenerating element 100 is between the first container 500 and the secondcontainer 600.

In the electrical energy generating device 10, the first container 500,the electrical energy generating element 100, and the second container600 are located in that order. The first container 500 is in contactwith the first electrode 102, and the first electrode 102 covers thefirst opening 520 of the first container 500. The first bottom 540 ofthe first container 500 is away from and opposite to the first electrode102. The second container 600 is in contact with the second electrode106, and the second electrode 106 covers the second opening 620 of thesecond container 600. The second bottom 640 of the second container 600is away from and opposite to the second electrode 106. The firstcontainer 500 is configured for holding the liquid 300. The secondcontainer 600 is configured for collecting the liquid 300 penetratedfrom the electrical energy generating element 100.

Furthermore, the first bottom 540 of the first container 500 defines afirst through hole 550. The liquid 300 can flow into the first container500 through the first through hole 550. After the liquid 300 flows intothe first container 500, the first through hole 550 can be plugged orsealed, or connected to input air to create a pressure in the firstcontainer 500. The materials of the first container 500 and the secondcontainer 600 are not limited, such as, plastic, polymer, glass, or thelike.

Furthermore, the sidewall of the second container 600 can define asecond through hole 650. The second container 600 can be evacuatedthrough the second through hole 650 by a vacuum pump. When the secondcontainer 600 is evacuated and/or the first container 500 is under apositive pressure, the liquid 300 in the first container 500 isfacilitated to penetrate the eggshell membrane 104 from the firstelectrode 102 to the second electrode 106. Conversely, when the liquid300 penetrates the electrical energy generating element 100 from thesecond container 600 to the first container 500, the first container 500can be evacuated through the first through hole 550 by the vacuum pump.

Example 2

A plastic centrifuge tube with a diameter of 1 cm is cut into a firsttube and a second tube. The two opposite ends of first tube open, andone end of the second tube opens. The sandwich structure of the example1 is placed on the second tube, and the first tube is placed on thesandwich structure, and the sandwich structure is between the secondtube and the first tube. Then AB glue can be placed between the sandwichstructure and the first tube, and between the sandwich structure and thesecond tube. Thus, the sandwich structure, the first tube, and thesecond tube form a sealing structure. The voltmeter is connected betweenthe two CNT/PANI composite papers. The CNT/PANI composite paper abovethe eggshell membrane 104 is electrically connected to the negativeelectrode of the voltmeter, and the CNT/PANI composite paper below theeggshell membrane 104 is electrically connected to the positiveelectrode of the voltmeter. The water is added to the first tube, andthe amount of the water per drop is still 20 μL. The open circuitvoltage between the two CNT/PANI composite papers is measured. As shownin FIG. 14, the arrow represents dripping water, the dripping water cangenerate the electric energy, and dripping water also accelerate therise of electric potential.

The charge and discharge performance of the electrical energy generatingdevice 10 is tested. The electrical energy generating device 10 isconnected to a load of 100 ohm to discharge for 15 seconds, then theload is disconnected, and the electrical energy generating device 10 isrecharged by dripping water to the first tube. The inserted image of theFIG. 14 is an enlarged view, and it can be seen that after discharging,the electrical energy generating device 10 can continue to recharge, andthe voltage of the recharge is close to the original open circuitvoltage. Thus, the electrical energy generating device 10 can berepeatedly utilized to realize cyclic charging and discharging.

The water is continuously dripped into the first tube until the outputvoltage stops rising. Then the syringe needle taps the first tube at arate of three times per second. In FIG. 15, the arrow represents beatingthe first tube. It can be seen from FIG. 15 that the external vibrationor disturbance causes the output voltage of the electrical energygenerating device 10 to rise rather than to decrease. Thus, vibration ordisturbance can oscillate the water in the first tube, to break theelectrochemical equilibrium. Thus, the positive ions of water continueto penetrate the eggshell membrane 104, thereby allowing the electricalenergy generating device 10 to reach a larger open circuit voltage.

The electrical energy generating device 10 has the followingcharacteristics: 1) when the first container 500 is located above theelectrical energy generating element 100, the second container 600 islocated below the electrical energy generating element 100, the liquid300 in the first container 500 penetrates the electrical energygenerating element 100 to enter the second container 600, therebygenerating the voltage; 2) after the liquid 300 is diffused into thesecond container 600, the entire electrical energy generating device 10can be inverted, so that the second container 600 is above theelectrical energy generating element 100, the liquid 300 in the secondcontainer 600 can penetrate the electrical energy generating element 100to enter the first container 500, thereby continuing to generate thevoltage; 3) when liquid 300 is in the first container 500, the secondcontainer 600 can be evacuated through the second through hole 650,facilitating the liquid 300 in the first container 500 to diffusethrough the eggshell membrane 104 from the first electrode 102 to thesecond electrode 106, thereby generate the voltage; 4) after all theliquid 300 is diffused into the second container 600, the firstcontainer 500 can be evacuated through the first through hole 550,facilitating the liquid 300 in the second container 600 to penetrate theeggshell membrane 104 from the second electrode 106 to the firstelectrode 102, thereby continuing to generate the voltage. Thus, theelectrical energy generating device 10 can be repeatedly utilized. Whenthe first container 500 or the second container 600 is evacuated, it isnecessary to control the degree of vacuum to ensure that the eggshellmembrane 104 is not damaged.

FIG. 16 shows an electrical energy generating device 20 of a fourthembodiment. The electrical energy generating device 20 of the fourthembodiment includes the electrical energy generating element 200 of thesecond embodiment above, the first container 500, and the secondcontainer 600. The electrical energy generating element 200 is betweenthe first container 500 and the second container 600.

In the electrical energy generating device 20, the first container 500,the electrical energy generating element 200, and the second container600 are located in that order. The first container 500 is in contactwith the third electrode 108, and the third electrode 108 covers thefirst opening 520 of the first container 500. The first bottom 540 ofthe first container 500 is away from and opposite to the third electrode108. The second container 600 is in contact with the second electrode106, and the second electrode 106 covers the second opening 620 of thesecond container 600. The second bottom 640 of the second container 600is away from and opposite to the second electrode 106. The firstcontainer 500 is configured for holding the liquid 300. The secondcontainer 600 is configured for collecting the liquid 300 penetratedfrom the electrical energy generating element 200.

Furthermore, the first bottom 540 of the first container 500 can definea through hole (not show in FIG. 16). The liquid 300 can be placed intothe first container 500 through the through hole. After placing theliquid 300 into the first container 500, the through hole is plugged orsealed.

Example 3

A plastic centrifuge tube with a diameter of 1 cm is cut into a firsttube and a second tube. The two opposite ends of first tube open, andone end of the second tube opens. The electrical energy generatingelement 200 is placed on the second tube, and the first tube is placedon the electrical energy generating element 200, and the electricalenergy generating element 200 is between the second tube and the firsttube. Then the AB glue can be located between the electrical energygenerating element 200 and the first tube, and between the electricalenergy generating element 200 and the second tube. Thus, the electricalenergy generating element 200, the first tube, and the second tube forma sealing structure. Water is added to the first tube, and the opencircuit voltage of the electrical energy generating element 200 ismeasured. When the open circuit voltage between the third electrode 108and the first electrode 102 is measured, the third electrode 108 iselectrically connected to the negative electrode of the voltmeter, thefirst electrode 102 is electrically connected to the positive electrodeof the voltmeter, and the open circuit voltage between the thirdelectrode 108 and the first electrode 102 is about 130 mV. Then entireapparatus is allowed to stand for 5 hours, so that water can penetratethe eggshell membrane 104 below the first electrode 102. At the moment,the open circuit voltage of the apparatus is measured again. As shown inFIG. 17, the open circuit voltage between the third electrode 108 andthe first electrode 102 is first measured and is about 90 mV, then theopen circuit voltage between the third electrode 108 and the secondelectrode 106 is measured and is about 190 mV Thus, the two eggshellmembranes 104 can make the electrical energy generating device 20 havelarger open circuit voltage. Thus, increasing the number of the eggshellmembrane 104 can obtain a desired voltage value, but it takes a longertime for the liquid 300 to penetrate each of the eggshell membranes 104.

FIG. 18 shows an electrical energy generating device 30 of a fifthembodiment. The electrical energy generating device 30 of the fifthembodiment is similar to the electrical energy generating device 10 ofthe third embodiment above except that the electrical energy generatingdevice 30 further includes another electrical energy generating element100 and a third container 700. The electrical energy generating device30 includes two electrical energy generating elements 100. The twoelectrical energy generating elements 100 are defined as a firstelectrical energy generating element 120 and a second electrical energygenerating element 140.

In the electrical energy generating device 30, the third container 700,the first electrical energy generating element 120, the first container500, the second electrical energy generating element 140, and the secondcontainer 600 are located in that order. The through hole of the firstbottom 540 are not plugged or sealed so that the first bottom 540 of thefirst container 500 is in an open state. The third container 700 has athird opening 720 and a third bottom 740 opposite to the third opening720. The first electrode 102 of the first electrical energy generatingelement 120 covers the third opening 720, and is opposite to the thirdbottom 740. The third bottom 740 can define a through hole (not show inFIG. 18). The liquid 300 can be placed into the third container 700through the through hole. After placing the liquid 300 into the thirdcontainer 700, the through hole is plugged or sealed. The thirdcontainer 700 is configured for holding the liquid 300. The secondcontainer 600 is configured for collecting the liquid 300 penetratedfrom the second electrical energy generating element 140.

The material of the third container 700 is not limited. In oneembodiment, the first container 500, the second container 600, and thethird container 700 are made of the same material. In one embodiment,the third container 700, the first electrical energy generating element120, the first container 500, the second electrical energy generatingelement 140, and the second container 600 are located in that order fromtop to bottom. The electrical energy generating device 30 is composed oftwo electrical energy generating devices 10.

Example 3

The first container 500, the second container 600, and the thirdcontainer 700 are plastic centrifuge tubes with a diameter of 1 cm and aheight of 1 cm. Each of the first electrode 102 and the second electrode106 is the CNT/PANI composite structure. The water is dripped into thethird container 700, and the open circuit voltage between the firstelectrode 102 and the second electrode 106 of the first electricalenergy generating element 120 is measured. When the open circuit voltagebetween the first electrode 102 and the second electrode 106 of thefirst electrical energy generating element 120 is stable, the switchbetween the second electrode 106 of the first electrical energygenerating element 120 and the first electrode 102 of the secondelectrical energy generating element 140 (not shown in FIG. 18) isclosed, and the open circuit voltage between the first electrode 102 ofthe first electrical energy generating element 120 and the secondelectrode 104 of the second electrical energy generating element 140 ismeasured. In FIG. 19, the time corresponding to the arrow is the time ofstart connecting the two electrical energy generating devices 10 inseries. Thus, the two electrical energy generating devices 10 areconnected in series and their open circuit voltage can be superimposedto achieve a larger value. When the two electrical energy generatingdevices 10 are connected in parallel, their open circuit current can besuperimposed to achieve a larger value. The electrical energy generatingdevices 10, 20, 30 have the similar characteristics.

FIG. 20 shows an electrical energy generating device 40 of a sixthembodiment. The electrical energy generating device 40 of the sixthembodiment includes the electrical energy generating element 100 of thefirst embodiment above and a fourth container 800. The electrical energygenerating element 100 is located in the fourth container 800, and theliquid 300 is in the fourth container 800.

The fourth container 800 defines a space 820, and the electrical energygenerating element 100 is in the space 820.

The electrical energy generating element 100 has a first side 101 and asecond side 103 opposite to the first side 101. The first side 101 isfixed on and in direct contact with the sidewall of the fourth container800. The second side 103 is suspended and spaced apart from the sidewallof the fourth container 800. In one embodiment, the fourth container 800has a first sidewall 802, a second sidewall 804, a third sidewall 806opposite to the first sidewall 802, and a fourth sidewall 808 oppositeto the second sidewall 804. The first sidewall 802, the second sidewall804, the third sidewall 806, and the fourth sidewall 808 enclose thespace 820. The electrical energy generating element 100 is fixed on thefirst sidewall 802, the first side 101 is in direct contact with thefirst sidewall 802, and the second side 103 is spaced apart from thethird sidewall 806. The electrical energy generating element 100 isspaced apart from the second sidewall 804 and the fourth sidewall 808,the first electrode 102 faces the fourth sidewall 808, and the secondelectrode 106 faces the second sidewall 804. In one embodiment, thefirst electrode 102 and the second electrode 106 extend out of the space820 through the first sidewall 802 to be connected the external circuit.The material of the fourth container 800 is not limited. In oneembodiment, the first container 500 and the fourth container 800 aremade of the same material.

In operation, as shown in FIG. 20, in one embodiment, the first sidewall802 is below the third sidewall 806, and the liquid 300 is initiallycontained between the fourth sidewall 808 and the first electrode 102.The liquid 300 penetrates the eggshell membrane 104 from the firstelectrode 102 to the second electrode 106, so that the voltage isgenerated. Thus, the electrical energy generating device 40 works andcan generate the electrical energy. As shown in FIG. 21, the electricalenergy generating device 40 is turned upside down so that the firstsidewall 802 is located above the third sidewall 806, and the liquid 300flows onto the third sidewall 806. The height of the liquid 300 is smallsuch that the electrical energy generating element 100 does not contactwith the liquid 300. Thus, the first electrode 102 and the secondelectrode 106 do not contact with the liquid 300, and no voltage isgenerated. Thus, in such as state, the electrical energy generatingdevice 40 does not function and cannot generate the electrical energy.

FIG. 22 shows an electrical energy generating device 50 of a seventhembodiment. The electrical energy generating device 50 of the seventhembodiment is similar to the electrical energy generating device 40 ofthe sixth embodiment above except that the electrical energy generatingdevice 50 further includes a water barrier film 900. The water barrierfilm 900 is between the second side 103 of the electrical energygenerating element 100 and the third sidewall 806. The water barrierfilm 900 is in direct contact with the second side 103 and the thirdsidewall 806, so that the space 820 is divided into a first space 822and a second space 824 separated from each other. The liquid 300 is inat least one of the first space 822 and the second space 824. When thefirst sidewall 802 is above the third sidewall 806, the electricalenergy generating element 100 does not contact with the liquid 300. Thematerial of the water barrier film 900 is not limited as long as thewater barrier film 900 is impermeable to water. In one embodiment, thewater barrier film 900 is made of glass, polymer or the like.

In operation, as shown in FIG. 22, the second sidewall 804 is below thefourth sidewall 808, and the liquid 300 in the first space 822penetrates the eggshell membrane 104 from the first electrode 102 to thesecond electrode 106, so that the voltage is generated. Thus, theelectrical energy generating device 50 functions and can generate theelectrical energy. As shown in FIG. 23, the electrical energy generatingdevice 50 is turned upside down so that the first sidewall 802 is abovethe third sidewall 806, and the liquid 300 flows onto the third sidewall806. The height of the liquid 300 is less than the height of the waterbarrier film 900 so that the electrical energy generating element 100does not contact with the liquid 300. Thus, the first electrode 102 andthe second electrode 106 do not contact with the liquid 300, and novoltage is generated in such a state. Thus, the electrical energygenerating device 50 does not function and cannot generate theelectrical energy. In addition, when the electrical energy generatingdevice 50 is turned side way so that the second sidewall 804 and thefourth sidewall 808 are above the first sidewall 802, and the liquid 300in the second space 824 can diffuse to the first space 822 via theelectrical energy generating element 100, or vice versa. so that avoltage is generated. Thus, in such a sideway state, the electricalenergy generating device 50 also functions and can generate electricalenergy.

The electrical energy generating devices 40, 50 have the followingcharacteristics: the electrical energy generating devices 40, 50 can becontrolled to generate voltages or not to generate voltages by changingorientations of the electrical energy devices 40, and 50.

FIG. 24 shows a decorative ring 60 of an eighth embodiment. Thedecorative ring 60 includes a body 62, a plurality of electrical energygenerating elements 100, a plurality of light emitting elements 64, andthe liquid 300.

The body 62 has a hollow tubular structure and defines a body space 620.The body 62 can be an annular structure, so that the decorative ring 60can be worn. The annular structure can be any shape, such as circle,triangle, square, polygon of N≥5, ellipse, or the like. The annularstructure can be arranged in a closed ring shape or a non-closed ringshape.

The plurality of electrical energy generating elements 100 are locatedin the body space 620 and spaced apart from each other. The body space620 is divided into a plurality of sub-body spaces 622 separated fromeach other. The plurality of light emitting elements 64 are located onthe outer surface of the body 62 or embedded within the wall of the body62. The plurality of electrical energy generating elements 100 areelectrically connected to at least one of the plurality of lightemitting elements 64. In one embodiment, the first electrode 102 and thesecond electrode 106 of each of the electrical energy generatingelements 100 extend out of the body space 620 to electrically connect toone of the light emitting elements 64. The liquid 300 is in at least oneof the plurality of sub-body spaces 622. However, the liquid 300 doesnot completely fill the body 62. The volume ratio of the liquid 300 tothe body space 620 must be less than 1:1, for example, the liquid300:the body space 620 (volume ratio)=1:2, the liquid 300:the body space620 (volume ratio)=1:3, the liquid 300:the body space 620 (volumeratio)=1:4, or the like.

Each of the electrical energy generating elements 100 has a firstsurface 107 and a second surface 109 opposite to the first surface 107.The first surface 107 is the surface of the first electrode 102 awayfrom the eggshell membrane 104, and the second surface 109 is thesurface of the second electrode 106 away from the eggshell membrane 104.When one electrical energy generating element 100 is located in the bodyspace 620, there is a tangent line A at the contact point between theelectrical energy generating element 100 and the outer surface of theannular body 62, and an angle θ is defined between the first surface 107of this electrical energy generating element 100 and the tangent line Aof the annular body 62. The angle θ is greater than 0 degrees and lessthan or equal to about 90 degrees. The angle θ is also defined betweenthe second surface 109 and the tangent line A of the annular body 62. Inone embodiment, θ is greater than about 60 degrees and less than orequal to about 90 degrees. In one embodiment, θ is about 90 degrees. Thenumber of the plurality of electrical energy generating elements 100 isnot limited. In one embodiment, the number of the electrical energygenerating element 100 is in a range from 2 to 6. The material of thebody 62 can be, but not limited to, polymer, leather, glass, or thelike. In one embodiment, the material of the body 62 is rubber. The typeof the light emitting element 64 can be, but not limited to, lightemitting diode (LED) or the like.

As the decorative ring 60 moves (for example, by a person wearing thedecorative ring 60), the liquid 300 in the body space 622 can contactwith the first electrode 102 (or the second electrode 106) and diffusesthrough the eggshell membrane 104 to generate the voltage. The voltagecan power the light emitting elements 64 to emit light. During themovement of the decorative ring 60, the liquid 300 may not contact withthe first electrode 102 and the second electrode 106, so that no voltageis generated and the light emitting elements 64 do not emit light. Thus,the light emitting elements 64 sometimes emit light and sometimes do notemit light. In use, people wearing the decorative rings 60 can belocated because the light emitting elements 64 emit light. In otherapplications, the decorative ring 60 twinkles because the light emittingelements 64 emit light occasionally. The decorative ring 60 can be wornon by person or on an object.

Furthermore, the electrical energy generating element 100 of thedecorative ring 60 can also be replaced with the electrical energygenerating element 200. The light emitting elements 64 can beelectrically connected between the third electrode 108 and the firstelectrode 102. The light emitting elements 64 can also be electricallyconnected between the third electrode 108 and the second electrode 106.

The embodiments shown and described above are only examples. Even thoughnumerous characteristics and advantages of the present technology havebeen set forth in the foregoing description, together with details ofthe structure and function of the present disclosure, the disclosure isillustrative only, and changes may be made in the detail, including inmatters of shape, size and arrangement of the parts within theprinciples of the present disclosure up to, and including, the fullextent established by the broad general meaning of the terms used in theclaims.

Additionally, it is also to be understood that the above description andthe claims drawn to a method may comprise some indication in referenceto certain steps. However, the indication used is only to be viewed foridentification purposes and not as a suggestion as to an order for thesteps.

What is claimed is:
 1. An electrical energy generating element,comprising: a first porous electrode; an eggshell membrane; and a secondporous electrode, wherein the first porous electrode, the eggshellmembrane, and the second porous electrode stacked on each other in thatorder.
 2. The electrical energy generating element of claim 1, whereinthe eggshell membrane is in direct contact with each of the first porouselectrode and the second porous electrode.
 3. The electrical energygenerating element of claim 1, wherein each of the first porouselectrode and the second porous electrode is a carbon nanotube film, ametal mesh, or a porous metal sheet.
 4. The electrical energy generatingelement of claim 1, wherein each of the first porous electrode and thesecond porous electrode is made of a porous and conductive material. 5.The electrical energy generating element of claim 4, wherein each of thefirst porous electrode and the second porous electrode is a compositestructure made of carbon nanotube and polyaniline.
 6. The electricalenergy generating element of claim 5, wherein the composite structurecomprises a carbon nanotube network structure and a polyaniline layercoated on surfaces of the carbon nanotube network structure.
 7. Theelectrical energy generating element of claim 6, wherein the carbonnanotube network structure comprises a plurality of carbon nanotubesdisorderly arranged.
 8. The electrical energy generating element ofclaim 1, wherein the eggshell membrane is obtained from eggs, duck eggs,goose eggs, quail eggs, or bird eggs.
 9. The electrical energygenerating element of claim 1, further comprising a third porouselectrode, wherein the third porous electrode is on a side of the firstporous electrode away from the eggshell membrane, and an additionaleggshell membrane is between the third porous electrode and the firstporous electrode.
 10. The electrical energy generating element of claim9, wherein the third porous electrode is a pure carbon nanotube film, ametal mesh, or a porous metal sheet.
 11. The electrical energygenerating element of claim 9, wherein the third porous electrode is acomposite structure comprising a carbon nanotube network structure and apolyaniline layer coated on surfaces of the carbon nanotube networkstructure.
 12. The electrical energy generating element of claim 11,wherein the carbon nanotube network structure comprises a plurality ofcarbon nanotubes disorderly arranged.
 13. The electrical energygenerating element of claim 1, wherein an overlapping region is definedby the first porous electrode overlapping with the second porouselectrode, a size of the eggshell membrane is greater than or equal to asize of the overlapping region, and the first porous electrode and thesecond porous electrode are insulated from each other by the eggshellmembrane.
 14. The electrical energy generating element of claim 1,wherein a liquid comprising positive ions and negative ions is selectedas a medium to diffuse between the first porous electrode and the secondporous electrode of the electrical energy generating element, the firstporous electrode is configured to gather the negative ions of theliquid, and the second porous electrode is configured to gather thepositive ions of the liquid.
 15. The electrical energy generatingelement of claim 14, wherein the liquid is a potassium chloridesolution, a sodium chloride solution, or water.